Making a Mark: The Art of the Press with Howard Paine

Inspired by Jun Kaneko’s Painting & Prints exhibition, this engaging, hands-on program invites audiences to explore the rich history, techniques, and expressive possibilities of printmaking. Through live demonstrations and guided discussion, participants will discover how artists transform carved blocks, etched plates, and layered screens into works that are both technically precise and creatively expansive.

Led by Professor Howard Paine, from the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Print Workshop, this event examines the artistry behind the press—how choices in materials, pressure, ink, and design shape the final impression. Visitors will have the opportunity to handle tools, study process materials up close, and observe the stages of image-making as they unfold.

The program concludes with a simple, participatory printing activity, allowing guests to pull a print of their own and experience the tactile satisfaction of the medium firsthand. Making a Mark: The Art of the Press offers an illuminating look at one of art’s most enduring crafts, blending professional insight with interactive discovery.

Howard Paine Bio:

Howard Paine is an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is the Head of Printmaking. He earned an MFA in Printmaking from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA in Studio Art and American Studies from Grinnell College. He has been integrating digital imaging and traditional printmaking processes for 25 years. Thematically, his work explores concepts of death, memory, and transformation over time. He lives and works in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Teresa, and dog, Truman.